Social Moster's repost on happiness - an prescription for endorphins

Don't Worry, Be Happy with Endorphins
by Kimberly HarrisDigital content marketer, fitness blogger, wellness coach

Maybe you've heard of endorphins, but aren't quite sure what they are. Well, endorphins

are chemicals naturally released by the body that can reduce your perception of pain and also give you a positive feeling. If you've ever pushed your body while exercising, you've probably experienced that euphoric feeling, which some call a rush or a high. It's not surprising that the feeling has been described in this manner since, according to PBS, endorphins are natural opiates of the body.

Experience the Happiness

Exercising isn't just good for keeping weight off. According to the Mayo Clinic, a good exercise-induced endorphin rush can also help get you back on the road toward a more cheerful you. So how much exercise is necessary to create an endorphin rush? Around 30 to 40 minutes of cardiovascular exercise will likely get your body to release endorphins.

What Exercise Should You Do?

When choosing an exercise program, professionals recommend selecting an activity that suits your personality so you will have a better chance of staying with it. For example, if you are uncoordinated, you might find a hip-hop fitness class too challenging.

It's also important to find an exercise program that fits your schedule and lifestyle. Too often people looking for exercise options will join a gym, only to find they don't have the motivation to leave their house after a long day at work. For these people their money would be better spent on an at-home exercies program In most cases, these programs are also less expensive than a gym membership.

Four to Try

The following are four wildly popular workouts you can try to find the right one for your lifestyle.

• Pure Barre: This is a low-impact yet high-intensity exercise program that incorporates a series of small isometric movements. Much of the program is centered around the use of a ballet bar, but keep in mind, this is not a dance class. According to the Huffington Post, this class will push your body to its max so it's best for someone looking for an intensive workout.
• Vinyasa Yoga: This practice consists of a series of poses that you move through in a continuous flow, which is why vinyasa is sometimes also called flow yoga. According to Forbes, vinyasa burns more caloriesthan any other form of yoga. Vinyasa is excellent if you are looking for a program that will help you mentally as well as physically, as most classes also include meditation.
• Spin: This indoor cycling class will challenge you to keep up with your classmates as you charge through an intensive workout. An instructor will give you directions as to what speed to pedal and what setting to place your bike at. If you need others to motivate you to work at your hardest, then a spin exercise program would be an excellent choice for you.
• Zumba: This is a fun class that turns dancing into exercise. While it can be daunting for some newbies to learn the steps and hip movements, most participants are just in it for the fun and aren't going to care if you're out of sync with the rest of the class. Zumba is a great match if you enjoy adding some spice into your workout.